Jack Wilshere is convinced Arsenal will not fall into the same trap against Bayern Munich

Tuesday 18 February 2014 14:20 BST

Jack Wilshere today claimed Arsenal will not make the same
mistakes that saw Bayern Munich knock them out of last season’s Champions League when the two sides reconvene at Emirates Stadium.

They met at the same stage last year and Bayern quickly took
charge of the tie, scoring twice in the first 21 minutes in north London on
their way to securing a 3-1 first leg advantage.

The Gunners fought back admirably in the second leg but
their 2-0 victory was not enough to prevent Bayern progressing and the
Bundesliga side went on to lift the trophy at Wembley with a win over Borussia
Dortmund.

Wilshere sat out Sunday’s FA Cup victory over Liverpool but
trained with his team-mates at London Colney this morning and insisted
afterwards that Arsenal will box clever against a side widely considered to be
the tournament favourites.

“It's going to be a different game, said Wilshere. “We're at
home and we've spoken about the importance of staying in the game. If it's 0-0
at home we've still got a big chance to qualify. The away goal is massive in
this competition, especially when it comes to these big games.

“Last year we went out on away goals, so this year we've got
to be a bit more intelligent and stay in the game.

Champions League: How every team in the last 16 will line up

Champions League: How every team in the last 16 will line up

1/16
AC Milan

The cash-strapped Rossoneri have suffered from a real exodus of talent in recent years, but in Mario Balotelli they have one of Europe's most talented strikers. Brazilians Kaka and Robinho are past their prime but can unlock any defence with their passing.

2/16
Arsenal

Arsene Wenger always likes his teams to play on the front foot, retaining possession of the ball for long periods. However, against Guardiola's Bayern Munich he may look for a more pragmatic display. A performance similar to that against Dortmund away in this year’s group stage – disciplined at the back and incisive on the counter – might be most effective against a Bayern side set up to slaughter defensively-weak opponents. The energy and pace of Santi Cazorla and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could be vital.

3/16
Atletico Madrid

Coveted by several European clubs, Atletico’s Brazilian forward Diego Costa is the real danger man after scoring four goals in the group stages. Diego Simeone’s side have punched above their weight in Spanish football this year thanks to their effective counter-attacking and enterprising wide play.

4/16
Barcelona

It would have been bold, perhaps even foolish, for Gerardo Martino to try to reinvent the best passing team in the world when he arrived as manager. And he hasn’t – they’re still a hugely patient, possession-focused side, who press tirelessly when they haven't got the ball. However, their vulnerability at the back, especially from set-pieces, should be heeded by Manchester City.

5/16
Bayern Munich

Unsurprisingly, Pep Guardiola has instilled his passing ideals into this Bayern side, while still retaining the force going forward that was apparent under Jupp Heynckes. Philipp Lahm, a world-class full back, has been a revelation in midfield. Although they are missing star man Franck Ribery, this is one efficient unit and Guardiola’s side will likely adopt a pressing, attacking approach at Arsenal.

6/16
Bayer Leverkusen

For Leverkusen, the strength will come from the middle of the park. Lars Bender will probably be paired up with the club’s top European scorer this season, Simon Rolfes, in midfield, with the possible addition of Stefan Reinartz forming a solid trio. On the wings, Son Heung-Min and Gonzalo Castro can be dangerous, but the biggest task against PSG will be at the back: stopping Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

7/16
Borussia Dortmund

Last season’s Champions League finalists are going through something of an injury crisis. A whole host of big name players – including Marco Reus, Jakub Blaszczykowski and Mats Hummels – are currently missing. However, hitmen Robert Lewandowksi and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are still involved among others, meaning Dortmund can play their high-tempo, counter-attacking style.

8/16
Chelsea

Jose Mourinho has come under fire in the past for his supposedly defensive approach, and while it is true that Chelsea are solid at the back, they can be excellent going forward too. The attacking midfielders; Willian, Oscar and Eden Hazard have sparkled in recent weeks and should do well against Galatasaray. The Blues’ failure to find a consistent central striker will still be a worry going forward for Mourinho.

9/16
Galatasary

It won't come as a surprise to Chelsea fans that Didier Drogba poses the biggest threat to their ambitions in the Champions League. The Ivorian remains an accomplished target man for a direct approach, whilst Wesley Sneijder's vision and technique are not to be underestimated. Yilmaz and Bulut can cause problems when cutting in from wide areas.

10/16
Manchester City

With such potent and diverse attacking options, it’s understandable that Manuel Pellegrini has favoured playing two up-front this season. But this can leave his team a man short in midfield and could be painfully apparent against a highly efficient Barcelona midfield. The aerial prowess of striker Dzeko could prove to be his best weapon against the Catalans.

11/16
Manchester United

As was made quite clear in Manchester United’s recent Premier League clash with Fulham, in which United fired in 81 crosses, David Moyes’ side like playing down the wings. But the Fulham game also highlighted the tactic’s pitfalls, so there may well be a change of plan against Olympiakos. The cup-tied Juan Mata will be a big miss for United, but might allow Wayne Rooney to thrive in the No10 role.

12/16
Olympiakos

Although the dominant force in Greek football, Olympiakos are probably the weakest side in the last 16. That being said, they do have some quality players with the likes of Vladimir Weiss and Javier Saviola. The loss of striker Kostas Mitroglou will be a big blow to their chances against Manchester United.

13/16
Paris Saint-Germain

Adept at keeping possession, PSG will probably look to press Milan high up the pitch. Zlatan Ibrahimovic provides the greatest threat after scoring eight goals in five games in the group stages, but with the likes of Edinson Cavani and Lucas Moura around there is a threat to Leverkusen from almost every part of the pitch. Verratti offers craft in midfield while Matuidi is an energetic box to box midfielder. Formidable.

14/16
Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid are one of the most dangerous teams in this year’s tournament. Midfield pair Xabi Alonso and Luka Modric are experts at keeping possession while still maintaining a high tempo and up top, there is Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been enjoying his best Champions League campaign yet. The argument over who should start between Jese and Gareth Bale – or, if they should both start – is an interesting sub-plot.

15/16
Schalke

Schalke have quality in the final third with Klaas Jan Huntelaar, and the possibility of a returning Julian Draxler, who could both damage Real Madrid on their day. The Spanish giants have a poor record in Germany which could be cause for optimism for the unfancied Germans.

16/16
Zenit St Petersburg

Luciano Spalletti's side scraped through the group stages and will be desperate to make the most of the chance they have been given to progress past the first knockout round. Against a Dortmund side that favours the counter attack, Zenit will be hoping to play their usual possession football with the likes of Hulk and Axel Witsel looking set to make an impact.

“The Champions League is the pinnacle for any player and
luckily at Arsenal we get to play in it, it is what we work for every year for
these big games. I remember my first big test, against Barcelona, and we won
and it was probably the best of my career up to date. These are the games you
want to be involved in and we will definitely be ready tomorrow.

“Our Premier League run will help. Okay, we lost to
Liverpool but before that we were on a good run, we have been brilliant this
season - especially at home - and we need to make that count tomorrow.”

Wenger believes Sunday’s win will provide a telling contrast
to 12 months ago, when Arsenal faced Bayern having suffered an embarrassing FA
Cup defeat at home to Blackburn.

He said: “Last year we went out on the away goal, basically.
That shows you that first of all it is important not to concede at home but I
think we are in a much better mental shape than we were one year ago. We lost
at home against Blackburn in the FA Cup and it was a big disappointment for us.
This time we won and we are really determined to win this game tomorrow.

“It gave us belief to finish the season well last year and
from then on I think since the start of the season we have done well. We are in
a strong position and it is now down to us how we can form game to game show
the same focus and spirit we showed against Liverpool.”

Arsenal will be without Mikel Arteta due to suspension
following his red card against Napoli in the final group stage game. But
Wilshere, Santi Cazorla, Kieran Gibbs and Olivier Giroud all took a full part
in training and are expected to return to the starting line-up after being
rested against Liverpool. Wenger confirmed Tomas Rosicky will come into the
squad in place of Arteta.